10 Most Abused Drugs
Today many drugs are being extremely abused, to the extent that not only are people developing addictions to them, but abuse is resulting in overdose, severe health problems, and even ending in death.
Drug abuse is becoming an increasingly common occurrence; it is likely that the reader of this article will know at least one person who abuses drugs.
Because of this it is important to know what the most abused drugs are.
The Top 10
The top 10 most abused drugs are in a countdown order starting with the least abused.
The 10th Most Abused Drug: Inhalants
Various types of inhalants are found throughout most households. Products like cleaning solutions, gasoline, and air cans for computers are all heavily abused.
Users inhale these products to get high, usually unaware of the harmful and even deadly effects.
The 9th Most Abused Drug: Steroids
Steroids are sometimes referred to as human growth hormones and most often used and abused by people who are hoping to improve or increase their performance and/or muscle mass.
Heavy abuse of steroids can cause depression and violent behaviour.
The 8th Most Abused Drug: Heroin
Heroin was once considered the ultimate drug addiction, but now it ranks number eight in the list.
This is an illegal and incredibly powerful drug that is found in nearly every part of the world.
Withdrawal from heroin is said to be excruciating, which is why breaking the addiction is extremely difficult.
The 7th Most Abused Drug: Cocaine/Crack
Cocaine is made in Asian countries and is highly addictive. Crack is made from Cocaine, the effects are similar, but crack is cheaper and is said to be more addicting.
The 6th Most Abused Drug: MDMA/Ecstasy
Candy coloured pills that are commonly found in clubs, parties, and raves are almost always ecstasy, a drug that is made from MDMA.
Users take it to feel the euphoric like effects. This drug is easily available and abused throughout the world. The effects of heavy abuse are detrimental to the user.
Even with short term abuse the person can feel permanently depressed; because of a lack of serotonin, a chemical found in the brain.
The 5th Most Abused Drug: Methamphetamine
This is a highly powerful and very illegal drug that can be considered an epidemic in parts of the Asia, and is an increasing concern in other countries around the world.
Methamphetamine is most likely the most abused stimulant and is often used to suppress appetite, increase energy and alertness, and for the euphoric effects. Many addicts claim they became addicted to the drug after only one or two times of use.
The 4th Most Abused Drug: Over the Counter Medications
Over the counter medications are easily available without a prescription and some are highly abused and addictive.
However, many people who abuse these medications eventually turn to other more powerful drugs. OTC medications that contain Dextromethorphan are the most abused.
However, caffeine pills and OTC medicine that contain ephedrine are also commonly abused. Many OTC medications are addictive and have many serious long term health effects.
The 3rd Most Abused Drug: Prescription
Prescription drugs are abused in nearly every country in the world. Opiates, stimulants, and depressants are the most common types.
Treatment for prescription medication addiction has risen 300% since 2005, and this number only continues to rise. An addiction to prescription medications can have some incredibly serious side effects, including death.
The 2nd Most Abused Drug: Alcohol
Just because it is legal does not mean it is not harmful and that it is not abused. Alcohol abuse is related to not only addiction but also to traffic fatalities, violence, cirrhosis, liver failure, permanent brain damage, and many deaths throughout the world each year.
Research is now showing that women are affected worse by alcohol than men. Alcohol abuse and addiction is serious, but because it is legal, oftentimes in many countries it is not looked at as being harmful and abuse is common.
The Most Abused Drug: Tobacco/Nicotine
Tobacco/nicotine is the most abused drugs in the world. According to recent statistics carried out by the World Health Organisation, about 15 billion cigarettes are sold on a daily basis.
By 2030, if trends continue as it is smoking will kill one in six people globally. Smokers are not the only ones affected by their abuse; research also shows that people who breathe in the smoke are also affected. Numerous cancers and diseases have been linked to smoking.
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